Why Puerto Rico Should Be Your Go-To Caribbean Destination
Key Takeaways
- Puerto Rico welcomes millions of tourists each year, offering better affordability compared to Aruba, with lower hotel and meal costs.
- Puerto Rico’s culture and vibrant atmosphere enrich the travel experience, featuring historical sites like Old San Juan.
- The island boasts stunning beaches, such as Playa Santa and Condado Beach, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
- Visitors enjoy easy travel to Puerto Rico, as no passport is required for U.S. citizens, making it an ideal getaway.
- Overall, Puerto Rico is the go-to destination for tourists seeking rich culture, beautiful scenery, and cost-effective travel.
You may be asking, why should I is it Puerto Rico? Puerto Rico isn’t a hidden gem by any means. Last year the island broke records in tourism according to W Journal PR, with nearly 7.9 million hotel nights booked. I am both not surprised and happy to see the growth. I talk to so many people that plan trips to places like Aruba, and when I ask why Aruba, they give me a list of things they’re looking for on a trip. Almost every time Puerto Rico meets every qualification they are looking for, and Aruba doesn’t actually have several of them! Both are beautiful Caribbean destinations with great beaches and relatively the same flight time from anywhere as they are less than 400 nautical miles apart. Let me show you the numbers that prove Puerto Rico’s value and why it is the go-to:
| Category | Puerto Rico | Aruba |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Required | No | Yes |
| Average Hotel Price | $286.84 | $400.66 |
| Average Cost of Meals Per Day | $64 | $111 |
| Average Cost of Transportation Per Day | $18 | $32 |
| Average Cost of Alcohol and Nightlife Per Day | $15 | $32 |
| Flight Costs | $281 | $459 |
These are things that are important to me when traveling, and Puerto Rico happens to win in each of them. I have a passport and that is the one area that doesn’t really matter to me when traveling. That said, if you are looking for a quick getaway, the process of going through customs can slow you down significantly. Especially in Aruba where they are known for having an incredibly dysfunctional exit and USA customs process. That said, they revamped their process according to their airport’s website.
I gathered the average cost of a hotel room from the 2024 Caribbean Hospitality Market Report, however travelers reported almost identical figures for Aruba and Puerto Rico on BudgetYourTrip.com, the source I used for meals, transportation and nightlife averages. The flight costs came from a Google Flights search using the explore feature and selecting a weekend in June.
To Compare
I have personally been to both places and can say firsthand that the data I found does not surprise me. When in Aruba I was shocked at the cost of everything. Keep in mind the price above reflects the average cost across a wide variety of people, and I spent far more in some places on food. However, the percentages aligned perfectly to my past experience.
I have written about Aruba in the past and how beautiful it is but how it lacks originality and culture. You can read that here. For the rest of this article, I am going to focus solely on Puerto Rico and stop comparing it to a place it honestly doesn’t compare to.
Culture and Vibe in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, like I said in the beginning, has a large tourism industry, but it has an identity much more than that. Tourism is only 2% of their GDP. With that said, when you visit Puerto Rico, there is a vibrant life happening around you. There is a culture to explore with amazing history behind it. You can choose to eat in a dive bar and enjoy some local alcapurrias or indulge in some fine dining. It’s the rare type of place where everything is very different, yet the familiar comforts of home are all around.
Visiting places like Old San Juan really remind you that you are somewhere special. Visiting Boston or Philadelphia can bring you back to the very early part of our history, but San Juan takes it to a different level. It is the oldest city now under U.S. jurisdiction. Juan Ponce de León, a Spanish explorer, established the first settlement called Caparra in 1508. He built it on a nearly enclosed harbor located just west of what is now the modern metropolitan area. As you explore the area it is obvious you are walking in history.
The architecture and the layout of the roads are something that just cannot be replicated. San Juan is the most popular with visitors, but if you have the time or are looking for an amazing alternative to the capital city, visit Ponce in the south. Ponce offers the same great culture and history in a very relaxing way.
Beaches of San Juan and Ponce
Puerto Rico has some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to. Playa Santa in Guánica is my favorite and a short drive from Ponce. That said, the beaches of San Juan make any beach in the 50 states jealous. Condado Beach is very popular and where I have spent the majority of my time when in San Juan. It is more than beautiful beaches, the food is amazing, hotels are everywhere, and it is very walkable. Finding an Airbnb in this area is easy and overall affordable.
Puerto Rico deserves more than just this comparison article and that will come, but I really wanted to take the time to spread the word and make sure that the beauty of this island is not overlooked. Skip the cruises and spend more than an afternoon. Appreciate the culture, get to know the people, ride a few waves, have a cocktail, and “¡Disfruta del hermoso Puerto Rico!”
Frequently Asked Question
No, U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit Puerto Rico since it is a U.S. territory. You can travel there with just a valid government-issued ID, making it perfect for a quick getaway.
Yes, Puerto Rico is significantly more affordable than Aruba. Average hotel prices in Puerto Rico are $286.84 compared to $400.66 in Aruba. Meals, transportation, and nightlife are also cheaper in Puerto Rico, with daily costs averaging $64 for meals versus $111 in Aruba.
Puerto Rico offers stunning beaches throughout the island. Playa Santa in Guánica is a hidden favorite, while Condado Beach in San Juan is popular for its walkability, dining options, and nearby accommodations. The beaches rival or exceed anything in Aruba.
Puerto Rico offers rich culture and history, particularly in Old San Juan, the oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction dating back to 1508. You can explore Spanish colonial architecture, enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, visit historic sites, and experience vibrant local culture in cities like San Juan and Ponce.
Based on Google Flights data for a June weekend, flights to Puerto Rico average $281 compared to $459 for Aruba. The islands are less than 400 nautical miles apart, so flight times are similar, but Puerto Rico offers significant savings.
